Sanpitch (Ute chief) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chief Sanpitch
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|---|---|
| Born | |
| Died | 18 April 1866 Birch Canyon,
near Fountain Green, Utah |
| Known for | Being the brother of Chief Walkara and fathering Black Hawk |
| Children | Black Hawk |
Sanpitch was an important leader of the Sanpits people. This Native American tribe lived in what is now the Sanpete Valley in Utah. He was a leader both before and during the time Mormon settlers arrived. The Sanpits are often seen as part of the larger Timpanogos or Utah Indians. Sanpitch died on April 18, 1866.
Sanpitch was the brother of the famous Chief Walkara. He was also the father of Black Hawk. The Black Hawk War in Utah (1865–1872) is named after his son.
Early Life and Interactions
Sanpitch and his people lived in the Sanpete Valley. In 1850, a serious measles outbreak affected Native American tribes. This disease was brought by the new Mormon settlers. After many people became sick, Walkara and Chief Sanpitch spoke to the Mormons. They asked the settlers to come to the Sanpete Valley. They hoped the Mormons could teach their people how to farm. However, this idea did not get much support at the time.
Later Years and Death
In March 1866, a plan was made to bring Sanpitch's son, Black Hawk, to talk. As part of this plan, the older Chief Sanpitch was taken into custody. He was held in the jail in Manti.
About a month later, Sanpitch and other Native Americans tried to escape from jail. During the escape, Sanpitch was shot and hurt. On April 18, 1866, he was found in Birch Creek Canyon. This canyon is in the San Pitch Mountains, between Fountain Green and Moroni. Sanpitch was killed there. His body was buried under a rock slide.
Sanpitch's Legacy
Many places in Utah are named after Sanpitch or his people. These include Sanpete County and the Sanpete Valley. The San Pitch Mountains and the Sanpitch River also share this name. All these names come from the Sanpits people.
According to William Bright, the name Sanpits comes from a Ute word. The word is saimpitsi, which means "people of the tules". Tules are a type of plant that grows in wet areas.
It is important to know that this Chief Sanpitch is likely not the same person as a Shoshone chief with the same name. That Shoshone chief was alive in 1870. The Shoshone and Utes were often enemies.
